But Stephens said the levy would save taxpayers money in the long run by reducing the $500 million-plus a year Georgia spends to treat smoking-related illnesses.

Stephens says he’ll keep plugging away.

“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “We have one of the lowest cigarette taxes in the country. We’re making it cheap for people to use a product that makes them sick.

“Sure it’s been slow going, but once I’m dedicated to something and I’m passionate about it, I never quit.”

THE STEPHENS FILE

Party: Republican

Age: 57

Residence: Savannah

Family: Married, two adult daughters, two grandchildren

Political experience: Elected to state House in 1997; chairman, Economic Development and Tourism Committee; six years on Garden City City Council

Occupation: Pharmacist

Education: Attended Armstrong Atlantic State University; Bachelor of Science in pharmacy, Mercer University

Top issues and objectives: Continue to overhaul Georgia’s tax system to make it more business friendly; deepen Savannah’s port; work with South Carolina officials for new port in Jasper County; continue support for regional approach to state planning issues, preserve HOPE scholarship programs.